Positive performance from Ladies 1s

The home side applied this approach well, transferring the ball across the pitch through fullback Mel Joyce. Attacking power from man of the match Georgie Metcalfe, who carried the ball at pace into the Hampstead circle was rewarded with a penalty corner, skilfully finding a defenders foot. The strike from Kat Green rebounded from the keeper which was confidently slotted into the Hampstead net by Louisa England, putting the home side ahead. Despite having the majority of possession, a skilful Hampstead forward was able to penetrate the Henley defence, calling upon keeper Hannah Lavis to step out and make a sliding save, maintaining the narrow lead. Creative play up the left from Sophie Hoskins and Ellie Roseff was defended well by the visitors but Henley were able to penetrate the circle again and upgraded to a further penalty corner. The routine was executed well, Green's disguised pass to England who deflected the ball into the Hampstead goal. Henley went into half time with a two goal advantage.

Henley continued to work the ball forward in the second half, with centre midfielder Jemma Barham finding herself inside the Hampstead circle. Barham picked up a pass from Charlotte Cockerton but was unable to convert. A 10 minute spell in the second half saw Hampstead apply pressure to the home side, achieving a penalty corner which was initially saved by defender Rachel Herbert before hitting her foot on the line. The umpire awarded a penalty flick which was sent high into the Henley goal past keeper Lavis' outstretched arm. Hampstead won a second penalty corner with 5 minutes remaining which was converted from the top of the circle. Despite their best efforts, Henley were unable to reclaim the lead but were pleased with the positive team performance.